kayaking_kev

No, I didn't even think about it, was anxious to start building. I don't see there being a whole lot of difference though. Same number of arbors inside and trim fittings and end caps, the carbon material itself weighs very little and there might only be an inch or two more material anyway. Biggest difference is that the Trim fittings come with the full handle kit and you have to order them separately after taking measurements with the split grips.

I ordered 3 NFC X-Ray blanks a little over a month ago, the MB733, MB736, & MB7109. I received them I believe about 10 days after I ordered them, so I was happy after hearing all the horror stories. And, then I had to get a replacement warranty on the MB7109 because the tip was slightly damaged, and it only took them about a week to get the replacement to me. They also never asked for the damaged one back, so now I just have to cut a little bit of the tip off of the bad one and I'll have a free X-Ray blank. I did have problems at first getting in contact with them through their email, but after no response, I emailed a lady named Angie directly who's email I had from when I placed my order. Her email addy was from EdgeRods.Com, but she responded and helped me right away with my replacement. The diameter on the Med Heavy 736 and Mag Heavy 7109 is oddly almost identical, at least in the bottom third of the rod, but the Med Light 733 has an even slightly bigger diameter in that bottom section.

I've had every version of the SLX with the exception of the JDM SLX DC and the SLX MGL 70 is my favorite. I wouldn't worry about the spool size unless you are using heavier line. I use mine for cranking, so I make far cast with it and never come close to running out of line. I usually use 12# or 10# Mono. If I wanted more of a workhorse reel, I would look for a used Tatula SV in that price range in good condition, or try to find one new for $150 or so.

Xtasy has Torzite Guides, AAAA Cork and a a better blank, I believe a Toray 1100G blank. Extreme HP Fuji K Series Guides, but not Torzite and AAA Cork and uses I believe a Toray 1000 blank. Both are great rods, the Xtasy is obviously better with higher end components, and I could do a sale job and talk the Xtasy up a lot, but there it's probably not worth $200 more retail price. The sensitivity is a little better, but it's minimal and there isn't a whole lot of weight difference until you get to the 4 & 5 powers. I think the Xtasy is one of the best looking full cork rods out there though and it's pretty close to my Conquest. As far as rods getting broke in the mail, I've sent probably 20 rods out in the last year and none have got broken. I just sold a Dobyns Champion 734c on this forum about a month ago. I also send in rod tubes like you get from Tackle Warehouse and I get it fully insured with Signature on Delivery Required. Xtasy 723c less than a year old, cork sealed with U-40. $375 shipped with insurance.

Two Sections of Handles by themselves = 0.45 oz. (14.26 grams) Handles + End Cap = 0.86 oz. (24.56 grams) Handles + End Cap + Two Trim Fittings = 1.07 oz. (28.5 grams) ------------------------------------ Handles = 14.26 Grams End Cap = 10.3 Grams Trims Fittings = 3.94 Grams Note: The End Cap also comes with a Trim Fitting that is including in it's weight.

The balance has been great on all of the 14 Dobyns rods I've had from every series, with the exceptions of the glass rods, which you don't want to be balanced the same as the others anyway. The sensitivity is good, but I can't compare it to the Adrena. As far as the Xtasy and Conquest goes, they are close in sensitivity, but I think the Conquest has a little more of a vibration. Finesse Jigs and Light T-Rigs might be pushing the 702c. I used the DX 702c for Ned Rigs and Drop Shots and other finesse techniques and I use the Xtasy 723c for 1/4 oz Jigs and light T-Rigs. So I would choose a 3 power Dobyns for those techniques because their powers are over-rated. I will be selling my Xtasy 723c soon for around the price of a new Extreme HP if your interested, only because I bought some X-Ray blanks and built my own rods to replace my factory rods.

I'm putting my Vanford on a X-Ray MB-733 build and I'm going to leave the butt cap for last just in case I don't like the balance and need to add some weight.

I had the Extreme HP 702c and loved it, almost as much as my two Xtasys, but I might get an Adrena just because I like the carbon handle and like to try different stuff. Got to also take into account the warranties though, Dobyns warranty is far better.

Is that scale pretty good? I'm in the market for a new one and been looking at the Rapala High Contrast or Kast King Floating Scale. I bought the Rapala 50 lb. Digital scale bit returned it tonight because it sucked.

I haven't epoxied them, but if you want the trim fittings for them included in the weight, you'll have to wait until they get to me tomorrow or Monday. If not I can throw them on the scales anytime.

The MB-736 is rated 1/4-3/4 oz., and a weightless 5" Senko is pushing 1/2 oz., so it just depends if you like the length and action on it. I'm building one right now and I will throw a 5" Senko with a light Nail Weight on it, but I don't expect it to be the perfect Senko rod. I'm also building the X-Ray MB-733 rated up to 3/8 oz. as a Spinning Rod, but I'm thinking it may be strong enough to throw a 5" Senko and if so I think I will like it better for that technique. The best Senko rod that I have now for a Senko is a Dobyns Xtasy 723c, which is rated as a MH, but more like a Medium Finesse Casting Rod. The action reminds me a lot of the X-Ray MB-733, but I haven't fished it yet so I can't say for sure. I believe the Xtasy is made from a Toray 1100G blank, not sure if you could buy one or not.

I've had one combo where I've spent more on the reel than the rod and that's only because I got 40% off of a Dobyns Fury and paired it with a SLX XT I got for $90. My most expensive casting rod is a Conquest and reel is a Metanium MGL 150, followed by an Dobyns Xtasy & and Tatula SV TW. So I typically spend at least twice as much on a rod than reel. My most expensive spinning rod is a Custom X-Ray MB-733 and the reel is a Vanford 2500, which would probably be twice as much as the reel if I didn't build it myself.

I still have a Conquest 843c and Xtasy 723c and they are close to perfect, but I wanted to try to take the best attributes of both and then add a carbon handle. I also wanted that added feeling of accomplishment of having caught a fish with a rod that I put together myself.

Those 4 builds in my pic are my 1st builds ever also. I think one of the big reasons to build some custom rods was because I also wanted to try the G2 Handles. I was originally going to put them on all 4.

Some have said they didn't need the insert on certain X-Ray blanks. All 3 AT seats I have were too loose not to have something though. There would of been too big of a gap in the exposed section that would cause a lot of play & flex in the reel. The AERO seat I got though isn't exposed, so I'm just going to arbor that. I used a G2 insert on two of them and one I used a Carbon Fiber Rod Skin with some finish on top to make the seat fit and I put the seam facing up so it wouldn't be exposed. But, considering the CF Skin cost the same as the insert and was more work, I would just get the insert if I did it over again. I've also had someone tell me and show me a pic of the CFX insert working with the AT reel seats as well, but can't confirm.

They're very smooth, even the Matte pattern ones are smooth, you can't feel any pattern on them. You would probably have to whack them pretty good to get them to crack, but it is a minor concern. I did a lot of research on them before buying them and couldn't find anyone who owned them and didn't like them, I just can't wait to fish them and see for myself, but I had to order another guide for one of the builds and another build has one guide back ordered. The difference between the Blade & Razor is the Razor is exposed on both sides of the blank, while the Blade is exposed on the bottom and has a thin piece of carbon on top that the reel sits on that the Razor doesn't. With the reel on, they look about the same, but the Razor lets the reels sit directly on the blank.

I though you didn't like the weave pattern? It would look good with my Matte G2 Handle, but I like the exposed carbon seats. The Blade is nice, but the Razor is just flat out awesome, and for spinning the AERO carbon with the palm support is really comfortable.

It's hard, but very thin, not near as thick as PVC. I do have some concerns that it could even shatter if it hits against something hard enough due to them being mostly hollow inside and being very thin, but that's what probably makes them so sensitive.

Correct. And, the Bushido isn't as gray as the pic made it appear, my camera had the flash on. It will also look better when the trim pieces are inserted on them.

It's hard to beat Dobyns as a total package. They have great balance that competes with any priced rod, they have a top notch warranty and customer service, and for being assembled in China, they have great build quality. And, I will always love the way Dobyns rods looks. They are lighter in hand than they are on the scales due to the great balance, and the sensitivity might not be #1, but it's sufficient and pretty subjective. Some love the softer tip action and some will hate it. I've owned 14 Dobyns rods and I tend to stay away from the heavier powers, because they do get a bit heavier. My favorites are the 2 & 3 Power Casting rods and the 4 & 5 Power Cranking rod. The 5 and 6 Casting Powers all felt heavier than what I wanted with the exception of the Xtasy 755c, but I question if it was even a Heavy Power, much less Mag Heavy as rated, the diameter of the blank looked like a Medium. The MH Xtasy 723c has basically turned into my finesse rods for throwing as light as 1/10 Ned Rigs, so the powers are off quite a bit. If I had to rank the Dobyns I've owned it would go something like this. Xtasy 723c Xtasy 755c Extreme HP 702c Champion XP 704cb Glass Champion XP 705cb Glass Champion XP 734c Champion XP 704sf Kaden 744c Fury 703c Sierra 735c Fury 663c Fury 702sf Champion XP 736cb Glass Champion 634cb I would personally try to get at least the Sierra series so it makes the Warranty a bit more worth it if you ever have to use it. But, I believe there's a big jump from the Champion XP to the Extreme HP, and I would personally choose my bottom contact and finesse rod from there and a crankbait rod from any of the other series. The Power rod would be the tough one for me to complete in an arsenal because like I said I feel that's where they get a bit too heavy for me, when the competition has much lighter options available. The Glass rods are nice, but the 5 power was my limit on them, the 736cb weighed in at 6 oz. and that wasn't going to cut it. Out of all those Dobyn rods I only have the Xtasy 723, Champion XP 704cb Glass, & Fury 663c left. One more thing to add. Southern guys with bigger fish and baits are going to tell you the 4 power is the most versatile rod, but I think a lot of Northern guys who also fish for Smallmouth will find the 3 Power more versatile. I love the 3 Power.

I can't quite help you with the functionality of those handle options yet, but I have recently bought all of them. I have the G2 Carbon Full Handle for the X-Ray MB-736 and have it installed already, but haven't fished with it yet. I have the G2 Carbon Split Grip Handle for the X-Ray MB-733 as a spinning rod and it's dry fitted right now, but I'm waiting to receive the G2 trim fittings that I had to order after dry fitting and measuring the blank to get get the right size. The G2 Full Handle comes with the trim fittings already, the G2 Split Grip Handle, you have to order them separately. I have the CFX Full Handle Grips for a X-Ray MB-7109 build, but have not started building it yet. I have the black Split Grip Winn Grips I just put on a Phenix X-10 Composite build a couple of days ago, but have not fished with it yet. ---------------------------------------------- I can give you some of my initial impressions and thoughts on them though. The G2 Handles seem like they will be the most sensitive just by going by some small testing. The full grip handles only have two small arbor rings inside and the rest is hollow inside and the split grips only have one small arbor ring in each section. It reduces weight and I think reflects vibration better than any other type of handle by far. But, they have their down sides. They have no grip and might get slippery when wet. The other downside is you need a AT G2 reel seat, which are awesome, but don't come in specific id sizes. So I had to get an insert for them because I wanted the exposed reel seats. Now, on one of them I didn't use an insert, but instead used a Carbon Fiber Rod Skin with some finish on top to make it thick enough so the reel seat fit tightly. FYI, I have the G2 CCT Razor and Blade Carbon reel seats, which are the best two offered and while both are awesome, the Razor is the bomb. As far as the CFX Handles goes, those are the only ones I haven't reamed out and at least dry fitted yet, but they look nice, have some grip to them and are light, so I'm sure I'm going to like them and I don't see much of a down side to them. Winn Grips of course are going to give you the most grip and they look pretty good too, but I think they will be the less sensitive out of the three, hence why I put them on my crankbait rod. They were also the messiest to ream out and I had to keep cleaning my reamer. My thoughts were to put the G2 Carbons on my two setup that I wanted the most sensitivity out of, MB-736 and MB-733. I wanted some comfort, but still wanted that sensitivity for my power rod, so I went with the CFX. For my crankbait rod I wanted grip more so than sensitivity, especially with it being the rod that will be in my kayak 100% of the time and the probability that it will get wet the most. Plus it will be my jerkbait rod for now and I don't want a slippery handle for that technique. So for me they all have their advantages, with the CFX kind of being the middle ground with both grip and sensitivity. But, if you asked my wife, she would choose the Winn Grips because she likes the way they feel. Top to bottom X-Ray MB-7109 Blank CFX Full Handle Grip + EC-22 Butt Cap + AT G2 Vibe Reel Seat + Fuji Alconite Guides, Spiral Wrapped ( Awaiting G2 Insert for Vibe Reel Seat) Phenix X-10 Composite Blank + Spit Grip Winn Grips + AT G2 CCT Razor Reel Seat + G2 Insert + G2 Carbon Foregrip Sleeve + Fuji SiC Guides X-Ray MB-733 + G2 Carbon Split Grip (Bushido) + AT CCT AERO Reel Seat + Fuji Titanium SiC Guides ( Awaiting Trim Fittings for Handle) X-Ray MB-736 + G2 Carbon Full Handle 9" (Matte) + AT CCT Blade Reel Seat + Carbon Fiber Rod Skin under Reel Seat + G2 Carbon Foregrip Sleeve + Fuji Titanium Torzite Guides, Spiral Wrapped

It depends on if you're going to be throwing 3/8 oz and under or 1/2 oz most of the time and your normal hook set. If you're throwing mostly 1/2 oz then get the 4 power, if you only occasionally throw a 1/2 oz then get a 3 power. I mention your hook set also because Dobyns rods need a little more swing in the hook set with the softer tips. So if you don't like big hook swings on hook sets then you might prefer a 4 power over the 3 power, which would take a little less swing to reach the backbone and drive the hooks through on a T-Rig or Jig.

Yes, but Shimano, Daiwa, Megabass and maybe some others discounts won't show up until you receive the confirmation email. They will appear as the normal price during checkout, but you will be charged the discounted price. It's like this every year.

$183.99 showed up in the email invoice only, not in the checkout. It says back ordered until Dec. 15th, but as long as it gets here before March, I'm good.

Got my TW order placed already! Shimano Vanford 2500 5x GoPro 8 Batteries Whopper Plopper Size 60 Perch Color Red Eye Shad 1/4 oz Owner Stinger x3 Replacement Treble Hooks Hopefully a nice spinning reel along with the X-Ray MB-733 I'm building will get me to fish with spinning gear a little more.